CBI unearths more dirt on former MCI chief Desai

Within a month of his arrest in a corruption case, the CBI has unearthed clinching evidence against former MCI chief Ketan Desai and initiated the process to register half-a- dozen more cases against him.

Within a month of his arrest in a corruption case, the CBI has unearthed clinching evidence against former Medical Council of India (MCI) chief Ketan Desai and initiated the process to register half-a- dozen more cases against him.

Sources said Desai who was arrested by the CBI last month on charges of seeking a Rs 2-crore bribe to help Gyan Sagar Medical College in Patiala, has been found to be involved in showering favours on several other private medical institutions. Not only has the CBI unearthed his movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 50 crore so far, but it has received over 100 complaints from across India.

The CBI, after a preliminary inquiry, has registered another FIR against a private institute in Chennai.

A revelation made by an MCI inspection team member Satish Shah before the CBI has added to Desai’s woes. Shah has reportedly confessed he helped eight private medical institutes to obtain MCI clearances based on Desai’s instructions.

The CBI has launched a deeper probe into the functioning of these institutions and a spate of cases is likely soon. Shah is also said to have recorded a statement before a Delhi court, confessing his involvement in the scandal. He confessed before the court he favoured Patiala-based Gyan Sagar Medical College at the behest of Desai. A statement under 164 CrPC is admissible evidence in the court.

The CBI found documents showing Desai and his wife are joint partners in private firms in Gujarat and Mumbai. The agency has summoned records from the Registrar of Companies and is likely to involve the Income Tax department.